5 Things You Need to Know About Teen Acne

1. Hormonal Breakout

There are lots of factors that contribute to the onset of teen acne. Teenagers are especially prone to acne breakouts because after puberty, hormones in the body change, causing the body's chemistry to change. As a result, the body produces more oil and hair on the surface of the skin. Teens usually have oilier skin, eat more fast food and have more stress than they did as children, all of which are factors that can contribute to acne outbreaks.

2. Don't Believe The Chocolate Myth

Parents have been telling teenagers for years that chocolate and sweets will make them break out, but the truth is that there's no scientific proof linking chocolate to acne. Dark chocolate contains high levels of antioxidants, which are actually good for your skin. A proper diet will help keep skin healthy, so teens can still enjoy chocolate in moderation; there's no real reason to avoid it altogether.

3. Keep It Clean

Good hygiene is fundamental in preventing acne. Wash your face two or three times a day with warm water and soap. If regular soaps aren't enough, try a medicated face wash containing acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Moisturize your face daily, especially if you use medicated face washes that dry out your skin, but use water-based moisturizers that contain a minimum amount of oils. Wash off makeup before bed and sleep with your hair pulled back to let your pores breathe.

4. Fight Acne With Antibiotics

If daily face care isn't enough to control your breakouts, your doctor can help by prescribing an antibiotic. Antibiotics such as doxycycline fight bacterial infections, so they can help eliminate the bacteria that cause acne. There are other prescription medications available to treat acne, but many of them have a multitude of possible side effects. You can also talk to your doctor about using prescription-strength face washes and creams along with an antibiotic to fight acne in two ways.

5. Age Is Just a Number

The recurrence of acne depends on the condition of your skin, so many people will grow out of teen acne as they age and their body chemistry continues to change. Oil levels in the skin change with age, causing less bacteria to build up so less acne forms. If you have teen acne, don't worry. The majority of teen acne sufferers grow out of it later in life.